Loyola hosts professional development series for music educators

Music educators from public and private schools in southeast Louisiana will travel to Loyola University New Orleans July 27-30 to participate in “Technology for the Music Educator,” a professional development workshop sponsored by the music education department in Loyola’s College of Music and Fine Arts. The workshop is part of the college’s Professional Development for Music Teachers Series, which began in spring of 2007.

Participants include music educators from East Baton Rouge Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Recovery School District, Orleans Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. Tammany Parish and private schools in southeast Louisiana.

“Quality teaching in all classrooms necessitates skillful leadership at the community, school and classroom levels,” said Ed McClellan, Ph.D., music education professor and program director. “Leaders at all levels recognize quality professional development as the key strategy for supporting significant improvements in curriculum, instruction, assessment and leadership practices and they recognize the critical link between improved student learning and the professional learning of teachers.”

Teachers will have the opportunity to develop their understanding and proficiency of music topics and music technology in the classroom. Participants will study instructional applications and troubleshooting for computers; smartboards, tablet computers and projectors; Web site design to create interactive lessons; iClicker for student participation and engagement; new gadgets for the classroom; MIDI keyboards; acoustics and fundamentals of sound recording; podcasting; multi-track recording and music software for music composition, theory and ear training; recording ensemble rehearsals and performances; and Finale and Sibelius music software.

“Professional learning is viewed as an investment that will pay future dividends in improved staff performance and student learning,” said McClellan. “Loyola’s Music Education Department considers professional development of area school music educators as an investment in the New Orleans and Louisiana state communities.”

For more information, contact Sean Snyder in Loyola’s Office of Public Affairs at smsnyder@loyno.edu or call 504-861-5882.